The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and relevant links.

Cloudburst Near Vevey, Switzerland

This startling cloudburst was photographed in late spring of 2004 from Vevey, Switzerland (about the road of Vevey-Chardonne). Gramont Massif, on the far side of the lake, is partially obscured by the towering cumulonimbus cloud. Intense rainfall and strong winds accompanied this well-developed storm cell. Though rainstorms are not an uncommon occurrence here in spring and summer, such impressive looking rain shafts as this one are infrequently observed. [Updated October 2017]